Please note that the Topic Hubs developed by this Center have been archived and are no longer being updated. GLRPPR has converted several of its Topic Hubs to LibGuides, which allow for integration of some social features.

Auto Mercury Switch RemovalAbstract: This portion of the U.S. EPA Region 5 web site contains links to information related to automotive mercury, including: information on how to find, remove, and replace mercury switches used in convenience lighting in various types of vehicles; guidance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) on regulatory issues related to auto mercury switch removal; and information on NYSDEC programs to promote proper management of mercury-containing switches in autos.Source: U.S. EPA Region 5URL:http://www.epa.gov/perftrac/

Mercury Use?Automotive Sector [PDF]Abstract: The Wisconsin Mercury SourceBook was designed as a working document to help guide communities through the process of writing comprehensive community mercury reduction plans. This section of the SourceBook contains: information on mercury-containing products unique to the automotive industry as well as products used in other sectors; case studies; action ideas; a sample proclamation that explains the mercury issue and possible mercury minimization options for the automotive industry; and current mercury projects within this industry. (PDF Format; Length: 21 pages)Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesURL:http://infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/04/03851/auto.pdf

Mercury?Automotive Topic HubAbstract: This primer is intended as a quick guide to the essential pollution prevention information on mercury in automobiles, as well as a compilation of pertinent on-line resources. It includes background information on the sources of mercury in automobiles, information on collection programs and alternative products, guidelines for handlings, recycling, disposal and dealing with spills, and a database of mercury reduction programs. The primer was developed by the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA) as part of the Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) national Topic Hub project. For more information on this project, see www.p2rx.org.Source: NEWMOA and P2RxURL:http://www.glrppr.org/hubs/toc.cfm?hub=104&subsec=7&nav=7

Philadelphia Automotive Scrap Yard Compliance and Enforcement ProgramAbstract: To address concerns about the environmental impact of auto salvage yards, the program was developed by the City of Philadelphia, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and with the assistance of various trade and organizations such as the Southwest Philadelphia Scrap Dealers Association, PARTS, and others. The aim of the task force is to educate and assist all those scrap yard operators eager and willing to comply with various laws and regulations. The program web site includes information on laws affecting scrap metal dealers; scrap metal, used auto parts and the environment; an environmental compliance screening checklist; frequently asked questions; and addtional information and contacts.Source: City of Philadelphia Managing Director?s OfficeURL:http://www.phila.gov/mdo/scrapmetal/

State Mercury Car Switch InitiativesAbstract: Automobiles have historically used mercury-containing switches. The chemical and physical properties of mercury are used in mechanisms to turn on the hood, trunk, or door lights when they are opened, and/or to operate some anti-lock brake systems (ABS systems). While most manufacturers are committed to designing new cars without mercury in the switches, the problem remains for all of the mercury switches contained in cars on the road today. Unless programs are in place to collect these mercury switches before the automobiles get crushed and recycled, mercury can be released into the air, soil and water during crushing, or from subsequent management in electric arc furnaces (EAFs). A number of state regulatory agencies have raised concerns regarding the use of mercury switches in automobiles and have taken steps to address this problem through legislative efforts, pilot projects and outreach campaigns. This portion of the U.S. EPA web site lists descriptions of state car switch programs throughout the U.S., with links to program web sites where available.Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)URL:http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/mercury/carswich.htm

Toxics in Vehicles: Mercury, Implications for Recycling and Disposal [PDF]Abstract: Produced by the Clean Car Campaign of the Ecology Center, Great Lakes United, and the University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies, this report examines the use of mercury in automobiles and estimates its releases to the environment from end-of-life vehicle (ELV) processing. It holds that emissions from vehicle recycling and disposal practices are one of the largest sources of mercury contamination to the environment. The report examines strategies for cleaner production and proposes key policy solutions to eliminate mercury hazards from new and existing vehicles. (PDF Format; Length: 76 pages)Source: Clean Car CampaignURL:http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/pdfs/toxicsinvehicles_mercury.pdf

Transportation Services and the EnvironmentAbstract: This portion of the MPCA web site includes checklists and fact sheets about proper handling and disposal of materials related to auto repair facilities. Includes information on air bags, air conditioning, antifreeze and filters, lead-acid batteries, brakes and clutches, computers and circuit boards, vehicle dismantling procedures, fuels, lighting, oil and filters, mercury switches, scrap metal, catalytic converters, wheel weights, stormwater and wastewater concerns, solvents, spills, tanks, tires, vehicle storage and more. The fact sheets are available in PDF format.Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)URL:http://www.pca.state.mn.us/industry/ts-main.html